English top flight: 10 things to look out for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for another encounter
A Mancunian rematch might be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is adapting well in west London after his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and showcased his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration with a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield before lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, replicating his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of how quickly situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? When the youngster netted for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
The winger key to stopping Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire rumour-mill focus due to a claimed £65m escape clause for a potential January departure, the gossip columns setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. That is understandable from a winger with a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. Still, his side occupy an tricky situation, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate over their last two fixtures following an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however facing a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game for months might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker a surprise choice for the national team
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break although the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I know what he can offer me,” said the England coach. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a quite conventional striker position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 England games back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup if he is able to maintain his goal-getting exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim more goals over every other English footballer in England's top division this campaign on six and remains keen to increase that tally as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who came back to his youth team last year after five tough years at Tottenham, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he remains their joint-top scorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man in the last term, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver in a creative role instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four fixtures take in three from the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for a side that have developed a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for The striker to produce for Liverpool
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they fell to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The coach's team require a prolonged upturn to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, along with a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility emerges as seven out of their next 10 top-flight fixtures versus clubs presently in the bottom ten in the league. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a defeat on their own turf to the title holders the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's display against aerial passes and quick transitions that will be under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has been absent at club level over four weeks having sustained a muscle issue during his second consecutive start in four days in Europe triumph abroad. He reappeared off the bench in Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but sat out the midweek dead rubber against Slovenia to secure his availability for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A caution during the game might have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
